Federal Employee Health Coverage After Job Loss

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  3. Federal Employees – Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC)
I was furloughed from the federal government. Can I keep my federal health insurance under COBRA?
Federal employees are not eligible for COBRA because federal health plans are exempt from the law. Instead, they may qualify for Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, which operates similarly to COBRA and is administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

What You Need to Know

  • TCC is available to certain former federal employees, spouses, and dependents.
  • You must apply within 60 days of losing FEHB coverage or receiving notice of eligibility.
  • You must pay the full FEHB premium plus a 2 percent administrative fee.
  • Coverage can last up to 18 months for former employees and 36 months for eligible dependents.

What Is Temporary Continuation of Coverage?

Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) is a program that allows certain individuals, including former federal employees, former spouses, and dependent children, to continue Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) after regular eligibility ends. An application must be submitted within 60 days of losing coverage, and enrollees are responsible for the full premium plus a 2 percent administrative fee. Coverage may continue for up to 18 months for former employees and up to 36 months for eligible dependents, depending on the qualifying event. TCC is administered through federal agencies and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

What's The Average TCC Premium?

Under the Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) program, enrollees are responsible for paying the full premium (both the employee and government shares) plus a 2% administrative fee. This means TCC participants pay more than active federal employees, who typically cover only a portion of the premium.

Premiums under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program vary based on the specific plan and coverage type selected. For 2025, the biweekly program-wide weighted average premiums are:

  • Self Only: $414.00
  • Self Plus One: $902.78
  • Self and Family: $991.99

Who Is Eligible for Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC)?

Eligibility for TCC is based on meeting specific criteria under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program:

  • Type of Employee: Federal employees, former employees, and eligible family members who lose FEHB coverage.
  • Reason for Loss of Coverage: Certain events can trigger eligibility, including:
    • Separation from federal service for reasons other than gross misconduct.
    • Reduction in work hours resulting in loss of FEHB eligibility.
    • Children aging out of FEHB eligibility under the plan’s rules.
    • Changes in family status, such as divorce, that result in loss of coverage.
  • Enrollment Period: Enrollment must occur within 60 days of FEHB coverage ending or within 60 days of receiving notice of TCC eligibility, whichever is later.

How to Get Started with Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC)

  1. Confirm Eligibility: TCC is available to:
    • Federal employees who lose their FEHB coverage due to separation from service (except for removal due to gross misconduct).
    • Former spouses who lose FEHB due to divorce.
    • Dependent children who lose FEHB due to aging out at 26.
  2. Apply Within 60 Days: The application deadline is within 60 days from the date of the qualifying event (e.g., separation, divorce, or aging out) or from the date they receive notice of their TCC eligibility—whichever is later.
  3. Submit the TCC Enrollment Form:
    • Employees: Submit SF 2809 (Health Benefits Election Form) to their agency’s HR department before leaving federal service.
    • Former Spouses & Dependents: Apply through the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) since their former employer is no longer responsible for their benefits.
  4. Choose a Health Plan: TCC enrollees can select from any available FEHB plans (same as active federal employees). They should review plan options, premiums, and coverage details.
  5. Pay the Full Premium + 2% Fee:
    • TCC enrollees pay the full premium (both the employee and government share) plus a 2% administrative fee.
    • Monthly premium payments must be made on time to maintain coverage.
  6. Coverage Start Date:
    • If an employee elects TCC before losing FEHB, coverage continues without a gap.
    • If they enroll after losing FEHB but within the 60-day window, coverage begins retroactively to the date of FEHB termination.
  7. Where to Get Help:
    • Active Federal Employees: Contact their agency's HR benefits office.
    • Former Spouses/Dependents: Contact OPM’s Retirement Services at www.opm.gov or call 1-888-767-6738.

Frequently Asked Questions

Former federal employees, certain former spouses, and dependent children who lose Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage may be eligible for TCC.

You must submit your application within 60 days of losing FEHB coverage or within 60 days of receiving your eligibility notice, whichever is later.

You are responsible for paying the full FEHB premium plus a 2 percent administrative fee.

Coverage may last up to 18 months for former employees and up to 36 months for eligible dependents, depending on the qualifying event.

Your premium amount will be included in your TCC continuation coverage information provided by your employing agency or the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

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